Greek Language levels
Greek language levels are many times not that easy to describe. But with the description of the language levels below, you get a better idea of what normally is covered in a group course (*). When registering for a course, you are asked to indicate your language level on the registration form and give us some extra information about the materials you have used, how much instruction you have already had, etc. Please indicate the language level you believe you are able to start from, based on the description that is given in the following table.
Students interested in obtaining the Certificate of Attainment in Greek will get a better idea of the corresponding levels explained in the right column.
(*) In order to cover all the vocabulary and grammar for one of the Greek language levels mentioned below, an average student needs 40 hours of lessons and practice also at home.
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Level | Description | Corresponding EU- CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) |
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Absolute Beginner (Abs. BEG) | The absolute beginners level consists of 2 parts: a. The introduction into the Greek alphabet (reading & writing) and basic vocabulary (*)(**) b. You will expand your vocabulary and learn the first basics of the Greek grammar. Vocabulary: basic daily language. You will learn how to greet somebody, to present yourself (what your name is, which country you come from, where you live, what job you do, which languages you speak, what your family status is), to shop (basic vocabulary). You will also get familiar with numbers. Grammar: verbs in present tense, articles, possessive pronouns, adjectives, nominative (*) You have the option to do this part before attending an Omilo course so you are ready to register for the Beginners 1 level (see below). Click here for more info. (**) For those that have studied some ancient Greek in high school, please be aware this will help you very much, but there are still some differences and for sure the pronunciation in Modern Greek is very different from the pronunciation of Ancient Greek (taught in schools outside Greece). | / |
Beginner 1 (BEG1) | This course is for a. those who already know the alphabet and basic vocabulary to present themselves. Introduction to the alphabet and pronunciation of Modern Greek. Vocabulary: basic daily language. You will learn how to greet somebody, to present yourself (what your name is, which country you come from, where you live, what job you do, which languages you speak, what your family status is), to ask somebody about all the previous information (in a formal – informal way), to shop (basic vocabulary), to tell the time, to talk about your daily routines and activities. You will also get familiar with numbers. Grammar: verbs in present tense, articles, possessive pronouns, adjectives, nominative – accusative, adverbs of frequency. | A1 – Basic User |
Beginner 2 (BEG2) | This course is a continuation of the Beginners 1 level, with further vocabulary and grammar development as well as improvement of reading and writing skills. The teachers will use a lot of speaking exercises, as well as games, so you will be motivated to start speaking Greek in Greece. Vocabulary: you will become familiar with most Greek vocabulary for everyday situations and expressions of attitude and opinion. For example: asking for or giving directions, ordering in a restaurant or a café, shopping (buying fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, etc.), clothes – shoes, colours, buying a ticket in a travel agency, booking a hotel room, means of transport, foods and drinks, describing a neighbourhood or a city, houses, Greek customs. Grammar: plural, future simple, subjunctive, basic introduction to past tense. | A1 – Basic User |
Intermediate 1 (INT1) | You have already a basic knowledge in Greek, but you often feel insecure in using the language. In this level there will be a lot of speaking and listening exercises, as well as role plays, to make sure all the acquired knowledge will be also used in practice. Classes are mainly conducted in Greek, so also to get used to understanding Greek. Vocabulary: improving and expanding the vocabulary, e.g. travelling, celebrating birthdays – name days, weather, describing a person, at the post office, at the bank, family members, filling in an application form, house furniture and décor, inviting people out – accepting/declining an invitation, etc. Generally, emphasis is given on strategies needed to narrate past events/future actions. Grammar: this course will expand your ability by reviewing important grammar of the Beginners 2 level and/or getting introduced to new grammar topics, e.g. past tense, diminutives, comparative & superlative degrees, conditionals, genitive case, imperative, personal pronouns, more groups of adjectives and nouns. | A2 – Basic User |
Intermediate 2 (INT2) | The aim of this course is to help you to secure and then to widen your already acquired knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar described in the previous levels. Teachers will encourage you to speak from day 1 and use all the vocabulary you already know passively, but you did not dare yet to use actively. Classes are conducted in Greek. Vocabulary: reading texts, listening exercises, role plays, games, songs, interviews, etc. function as the basis of extended conversations during which the students are encouraged to share with each other their knowledge, personal views and experiences about a variety of subjects, from less demanding ones, e.g. daily routines and activities, household chores, sports, cooking, to more complex topics, e.g. presenting places and their history, customs, education, health system, unemployment, culture, media, etc. Grammar: more advanced grammar topics are introduced, e.g. reflexive verbs, past continuous, more demanding groups of nouns and adjectives, present perfect, past perfect, direct/indirect speech, future continuous, continuous subjunctive, introduction to passive voice. | A2 – Basic User and B1 – Independent User |
Advanced 1 (ADV1) | If you are able to communicate in Greek in rather demanding situations, then this is a course for you. This level broadens and refines your knowledge of the Greek language and your communicative abilities. It includes selected readings about politics, culture, business and everyday life, as well as literary texts, songs, etc. Completion of the passive voice and most aspects of grammar. Extensive class discussions, listening and writing exercises. We also keep focusing on speaking Greek and learn the daily expressions, which often are not mentioned in language books. Classes are conducted in Greek. After this level, students can begin to read selected literary passages in Greek and small articles from the Greek daily press. | B2 – Independent User |
Advanced 2 (ADV2) | You are able to communicate effectively in Greek in most situations. This course involves detailed study of Modern Greek oral and written texts of a certain complexity, including literary texts, newspaper and magazine articles. Radio broadcasts and current films may also be included in the course. The teachers will also keep challenging you to only speak Greek and teach you even more daily expressions, as well as some more sophisticated proverbs, which often are not mentioned in language books. Classes are conducted in Greek. On completion of this course, students are able to engage in extended discussions on a wide range of professional and specialized topics, and to read works of fiction entirely. | C1 – Proficient User |